Lee Valley Lions coach George Alley is pleased with his team work rate against NIHL South One outfit Streatham ice hockey club.

The Lions suffered a heavy 12-0 defeat in a pre-season friendly at Streatham Ice Rink, but Alley believes it was good to get a game under their belts, especially having no rink and training out Sobell Leisure Centre for the last few months.

“It was fun to get out of Sobell and onto a big ice pad, I think the players did get caught out by the size but it was important to get a run out of any kind before the season starts,” he said.

“We gave away a fair few goals through naivety but the gulf between our leagues at the moment is enormous, and any loose play gets punished by very experienced players so I’m not unhappy with the performance.”

Alley was also thankful to Streatham coach Jeremy Cornish for the match and the few guest players he brought in for the clash.

“I’m grateful to Jeremy for offering the match to us, and in particular to Invicta Mustangs for getting us out of a spot of bother at the last minute.

“Their players were a credit to their club and the game for coming out for us.”

The coach heaped praise on his team and his goalkeeper James Andrew who kept the score line down for the visitors.

“Our work rate was good, James Andrew was very impressive in goal and what was reassuring was despite not being at full strength, we still competed and created chances against a very good side,” he admitted.

“I think once I’m settled on line combinations we can be dangerous going forward, but we’ll need to be more ruthless in front of net.”

Alley also admitted he’s keen to bring in another player before their first game against Haringey Huskies on September 16.

“I’d like to add more at least one more defender to the line-up.

“We’re in a very crowded market for players with more teams about locally but once we have a set squad we can really push on.”

He also believes it’s now time his side makes sure they’re ready for their league campaign and make every training count.

“From a hockey perspective we all, myself included, need to be sharp and prepared to compete, out work and out think our opponents every game.

“Every training session must have a purpose and a direction, because the minute we start going through the motions we’ll hamstring ourselves.”